Merry Christmas 2018

We spent a lazy morning at home on Christmas Eve. Daddy was able to sneak off to the shooting range and Starbucks while the kids and I slept in, made gingerbread houses left by Bockle, and watched Christmas Vacation again. Maggie is completely obsessed with it as her new favorite Christmas movie. She is definitely my child.

Tuttle and Maggie participated in the Christmas pageant at church this year. Maggie was much more eager for her role as an angel than she was two years ago when she wore the sheep costume. Tuttle played the part of a shepherd again. We arrived early to get good seats and have time for pictures. Since Jacob skipped his nap, he fell asleep just moments before we arrived in the parking lot mid snack bite. He was able to grab a quick snooze on Daddy before heading to the nursery for the service.

We all agreed on dinner being delivered instead of cooking. Daddy never turns down the opportunity to order Indian. After opening one gift, listening to Daddy read some classic poetry, and setting out milk and cookies, the kids were eager to get to bed. They did not want to risk missing Santa's visit!

I am not sure how all three ended up on the nice list, but Santa was pretty good to all the Thorne children this year.....

While we were sad to end the tradition of heading to Granny's house on Christmas morning, we did love the extra time in pajamas watching the babies play with all their toys. We investigated all the loot for about four hours before finally showering and loading up the car to head to Grandmommy and Grandaddy's house.

The laziness continued in Madison since I only took one picture. Everyone was spoiled like usual with the highlights being Maggie's iPad, Jacob's big trash truck, and Tuttle's Nintendo Switch games and accessories. We told Tuttle it was a good thing that Santa brought the gaming system or Grandmommy and Grandaddy's gift would have been pretty disappointing! :) Jay and I did not come up empty handed either. I am so excited for my new Lululemon, Spanx, and Rothy's presents, and Jay was able to add to his gun collection, including new accessories. The big surprise was gifting Grandmommy a day trip to NYC in March with a Broadway show. Aunt Peach and Daddy were also able to benefit from this present! So fun!

Jacob, Maggie, and I headed back to Atlanta a little early because everyone is battling a cold, but Jay and Tuttle stayed to enjoy some time at the outdoor range. Even though I am under the weather, my desire for organization won, and I took down the tree and other Christmas decorations. Tomorrow will be spent finding spots for all the new toys! 

What a MERRY Christmas this year! It tops our Decembers as the most magical to date.

The Nutcracker and Corbitt Christmas

We scheduled the annual Nutcracker performance at the Fox later this year since everyone has crazy December schedules, and everyone loved how much more festive it felt so close to Christmas.

The Nutcracker debuted as a new version this year, and although I had heard several negative reviews, we absolutely loved the changes. We were in awe of the set, and as a bonus, Maggie's preschool friend was a sweet chick on stage.

We dined at the Livingston again across the street at the Georgian Terrace Hotel. The decor is always breathtaking, and I cannot help taking as many pictures as possible of my family in their best holiday attire. I always order the scallops and literally inhale the plate. :)

A huge thank you to Grandmommy and Grandaddy for another year of Nutcracker memories. Maybe we will consider inviting Jacob next year. But probably not. (Gram to the rescue to keep our wild boy!)

Our Christmas fun didn't stop, and we celebrated with the Corbitt clan yesterday at Larry and Beth's house. The house was full of family, food, and thoughtful gifts. Maggie especially loves any time she can spend with Gwen.

This was a big year for the Corbitts with an engagement (Anne and Matt!), an upcoming new baby (Chip and Tricia!), retirements, house renovations, and Grandma inching closer to 100!

We are soaking up our last lazy morning before Christmas Day. We cannot believe how quickly December has flown by with all the holiday events and fun!

Party Animals

Tuttle put on a wonderful performance at Chamblee High School on Tuesday evening. Not only did we get to see him perform with his 3rd grade class, but his chorus sang several songs that they have been working months on. The chorus is excited to showcase their hard work at the Hawks game in February.

The kids and I partied hard at three holiday celebrations to finish out the week. Jacob started off first at his preschool party on Wednesday. He ate two helping of PB&J star sandwiches, created a pom pom filled ornament, and allowed me to snap some pictures outside in the cold despite wearing shorts. :)

Luckily Jacob was in school for Tuttle and Maggie's parties and even stayed for lunch bunch today, so I was able to attend both events without a destructive toddler in tow. Maggie's class wrapped presents for a family in need, sampled German holiday treats, and decorated their class tree with handmade ornaments.

For Tuttle's 3rd grade party I organized a Saran Wrap ball game that I found on Pinterest. I modified it, so everyone went home with one prize, and it was a complete success! I went into it a little apprehensively because I did not know if the plastic would get stuck or the kids would cooperate, but I think everyone had a blast! I did not take pictures during the fun, but I did find a letter Tuttle wrote to us in the hallway. I love that he is completely honest (Not every day.)

We have now performed, partied, shopped, decorated, and mailed the cards. Christmas, we are officially ready for you!

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

You better watch out!

You better not cry.

Better not pout...

I'm telling you why.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

The lists are officially in, and we are one week away from Christmas! I hope these three can keep it together until the big day. 

I think the verdict is still out on whether or not they made the nice list....